Tyesha Thomas-Volcy was hired as the new director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Citrus College to create and carry out programs to make sure students, faculty, and staff feel included and equal.
The director of diversity, equity, and inclusion works to modify policies, systems and norms that add to barriers that students, faculty, and staff of marginalized groups face that hinders their success.
“My experiences as a community college student, dedication to student success, and empowering communities are the main reasons why I enjoy working in the California Community College system,” Volcy said in an email. “I strive to help systems and people move toward their goals and I enter conversations to serve students and employees, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and training needed to be successful.”
As the director of diversity equity and inclusion, Volcy says she will work to make sure students of all identities and backgrounds get the same opportunities as everyone else. Along with this, she will work to ensure that students feel included on campus and to promote engagement.
“Equity focuses on understanding that each individual has different needs, lived experiences, priorities, and learning styles. Second, it is acknowledging that many of our systems were not built with everyone in consideration” Volcy said in an email. “Therefore, we should meet people where they are and provide them with the resources they need, in a way that works best for them.”
Volcy says she will focus on educating faculty and staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion to make sure everyone has the same understanding of what this really means and to move forward at Citrus College to help all students and employees feel included on campus.
“Ms. Thomas will provide leadership on a number of DEI related items and will collaborate with members of our campus community for the purpose of developing and implementing priorities and plans to support the college’s efforts, consistent with the college’s Strategic Plan,” Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College said in an email.
